Hebrews 11:27 – “By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse tells us that Moses made another major decision by faith: he left Egypt. And he didn’t leave afraid or intimidated by Pharaoh, the most powerful man on earth at the time. He wasn’t controlled by fear—he was driven by faith. Why? Because he saw “him who is invisible.” Moses endured all the hardship and uncertainty ahead of him because he was focused on God.
This “seeing” wasn’t with his physical eyes. It was with the eyes of his heart. Moses believed in the unseen God—he trusted that God was real, that He was present, and that He would keep His promises. That kind of faith gave Moses the courage to walk away from comfort, face opposition, and lead a massive group of people into the unknown.
This verse shows us that faith isn’t just about one moment—it’s about pressing on, even when it’s hard, because your eyes are fixed on the One who never changes.
Historical Context
There are two moments in Moses’ life when he left Egypt: the first was when he fled after killing an Egyptian (Exodus 2:11-15), and the second was during the Exodus, when he led the Israelites out of slavery (Exodus 12-14). Scholars differ on which one this verse is referring to, but the emphasis is on the fact that Moses acted out of faith, not fear.
The Exodus is likely the main focus here. When Moses confronted Pharaoh again and again with God’s command—“Let my people go”—he did it knowing Pharaoh could kill him. But he kept going. And when the time came, Moses led God’s people out, trusting in the Lord’s direction and protection, even when they came up against a sea with no way forward.
This kind of courage and endurance didn’t come from human strength. It came from knowing God.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that true faith doesn’t fold under pressure. Moses didn’t let fear of man stop him because he feared and trusted God more. Faith doesn’t ignore the danger—but it chooses to trust that God is bigger than any threat.
It also shows that faith sees beyond what is visible. The world tells us to trust only what we can see. But the Bible teaches that God is real and active, even when we can’t see Him. Faith opens our eyes to that reality.
Finally, this verse speaks to perseverance. Moses didn’t just start strong—he kept going. That’s part of what faith does—it sustains us for the long journey, not just the first step.
Literary Analysis
This verse is structured around contrast: fear of Pharaoh versus faith in God. The phrase “not fearing the king’s anger” highlights Moses’ boldness, while “he saw him who is invisible” explains the source of that boldness.
The word “persevered” is key. It shows that Moses didn’t give up. He stayed the course, even when leading Israel was exhausting and full of problems. That steady endurance came from keeping his eyes on God.
The phrase “him who is invisible” is poetic and powerful. It flips our expectations—Moses saw the One who can’t be seen. This reveals the deep spiritual insight that comes with walking closely with God.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 3:6 – God reveals Himself to Moses in the burning bush.
- Exodus 10:28-29 – Pharaoh threatens Moses, but Moses boldly responds.
- Exodus 12:31-33 – Pharaoh finally lets Israel go, and Moses leads the people out.
- Hebrews 11:1 – “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:7 – “For we live by faith, not by sight.”
- Psalm 16:8 – “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
- Romans 8:31 – “If God is for us, who can be against us?”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For believers today, this verse reminds us that faith gives courage in the face of fear. We may not face a Pharaoh, but we all face pressure, threats, and situations that tempt us to give in. This verse calls us to keep our eyes on the invisible God who is always with us.
It also encourages us to keep going when life is hard. Moses didn’t have all the answers, but he had a clear view of God’s presence. That’s what helped him endure. The same is true for us. If we stay focused on God, we can stand firm, even when things feel overwhelming.
This verse invites us to live with eyes of faith—trusting in God’s character, not just in what we can see or control.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in how He revealed Himself to Moses—and how He walks with us too. He doesn’t demand blind faith. He shows us who He is. He speaks, guides, and gives strength to those who trust Him.
God also loves His people enough to call them out of slavery into freedom. He didn’t leave Moses to figure it out alone. He equipped him, empowered him, and stayed with him every step of the way.
This same God invites us to know Him, follow Him, and trust Him—even when we can’t see what’s next. That’s love that leads and never leaves.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Moses’ life points us to Jesus in many ways. Just as Moses left a position of privilege to rescue God’s people, Jesus left heaven to save us. Moses faced rejection, danger, and suffering to bring people out of slavery. Jesus faced the cross to bring us out of sin and death.
And just like Moses “saw him who is invisible,” Jesus showed us the invisible God. In John 14:9, Jesus says, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”
Moses endured by faith. Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before him” (Hebrews 12:2). Now, He gives us strength to walk by faith too.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What fears or pressures in your life tempt you to hold back from fully following God?
- How can you grow in “seeing Him who is invisible” this week?
- What does it look like for you to persevere in faith, even when things are hard?
- Are there any areas where God is calling you to leave behind comfort or control to trust Him more deeply?
- How does the example of Moses—and the love of Christ—help you walk with confidence today?